The Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) has appointed senior Future Fund executive Gordon Hagart to replace chief executive Ann Byrne who will retire from the role in October.

Hagart is currently head of environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk management at the $100 billion sovereign wealth fund and previously played a key role in creating the UN Principles of Responsible Investment. He began his career as an investment banking analyst with Greenhill & Co. in London, and also worked as an investment consultant in Zurich.

"Australia has a world-class pension system, and has become a centre of excellence in integrating ESG issues into investment decision-making and the exercise of ownership rights. ACSI and its members have been in the vanguard of those developments," Hagart said.

ACSI president Gerard Noonan said the arrival of a new CEO follows a highly successful period for under outgoing head Ann Byrne, who helped bring ESG issues into the mainstream. She retires from the role next month after five years as chief executive.

"Many a chairman of Australia's top 100 listed companies knows just how formidable and effective an advocate Ann has been for improved ESG performance in their corporations," Noonan said.

ACSI represents more than 30 industry and government funds in the not-for-profit sector which manage more than $350 billion in retirement savings for six million Australians.

Future Fund chief investment officer David Neal said ESG risk management would continue to be an important part of the fund, both domestically and internationally and confirmed it will be immediately commencing a recruitment process to hire an appropriate person to fill the role.

"We're very sorry to see Gordon move on after four years with the Fund. His focus and clarity of thought across the breadth of ESG risks and opportunities and his diligence and insight in leading the management of the Fund's ownership rights has been invaluable. He leaves a significant legacy to the investment team and the broader organisation," he said.

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